7. CINCINNATI
Quarterback Dustin Grutza has made 24 career starts, but Notre Dame transfer Demetrius Jones will see playing time. The Bearcats don't have a feature back, so expect a committee approach.

3. CONNECTICUT
Tyvon Branch is gone and safety Dahna Deleston was moved to linebacker. However, enough talent returns to keep the unit competitive starting with cornerback Darius Butler and free safety Robert Vaughn.

4. USF
The unit will have growing pains after losing elite cornerbacks Mike Jenkins and Trae Williams. But there is the standout safety duo of Nate Allen and Carlton Williams.

5. PITTSBURGH
The Panthers return cornerback Aaron Berry and free safety Eric Thatcher to a team that finished third in pass defense.

6. WEST VIRGINIA
The secondary was hit hard by graduation and the dismissal of safety Charles Pugh. Much is riding on veteran safety Quinton Andrews.

7. LOUISVILLE
Teams were able to pass at will on the Cardinals last season. Cornerback Woodny Turenne, a heralded junior college recruit in 2007, needs to live up to his five-star status.

8. SYRACUSE
Both starting safeties return to a unit that finished 103rd in pass defense and 110th in pass efficiency defense.